Effect of health education on quality of life and clinical outcomes in Hemodialysis patients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hemodialysis (HD) are major public health problems globally, associated with complications such as anemia, metabolic acidosis, nutritional deficits, mineral-bone disorder, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and hypertension, which increase morbidity and mortality. Patients on hemodialysis often experience significantly lower quality of life (QoL) compared to the general population. Patient health education is considered a fundamental component of healthcare services. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a well-designed health education program on clinical outcomes and quality of life scores in hemodialysis patients. An open-label multicentric randomized study was conducted with 100 adult ESRD patients on regular HD, divided into a study group (receiving standard care plus education) and a control group (receiving standard care only). Baseline clinical assessment and lab workup were performed. The study group participated in a structured health education program over 12 weeks, followed by a 12-month follow-up phase. At the end of the study, clinical outcomes were re-evaluated, and QoL was assessed using the KDQoL-SF 36 questionnaire. Results showed a significant improvement in anemia profile (hemoglobin, TSAT) and mineral and bone disorder profile (calcium, phosphorus) in the study group compared to controls. QoL scores were also significantly higher in most domains for the study group. The study concluded that a well-designed health education program positively impacts clinical outcomes and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.